Oftentimes when someone thinks about adopting a new pet, they envision picking out and bringing home a new puppy or kitten. While younger pets certainly have their benefits, it’s also important to consider adopting an older animal. Older dogs and cats make excellent additions to any family and bring with them a number of specific benefits that younger animals don’t offer. Below a Darien vet shares 6 compelling reasons you should consider adopting an older pet.
They’re Already Trained – Most of the time, when you choose a pet that is older, you’re forgoing all of the tireless work that is required to train them. Older pets are typically already housebroken or litterbox trained and are already well-versed in an acceptable household and social behavior.
They Are Calmer – It’s no secret that puppies and kittens are tiny little bundles of furry energy. This seemingly endless supply of pep can be exhausting. Older pets tend to be much more relaxed and calm, having already gone through the excitable younger years. This makes them much more even-keeled members of the family.
They’ve Already Had Early Veterinary Care – Younger pets require a number of veterinary services that can be costly, such as vaccinations and spay/neuter surgery. Adopting an older pet usually means bringing home an animal that has already received all of this early care, which means you’ll save money.
You’ll Know What to Expect – Adopting a kitten or puppy means taking a chance on what type of behavior and personality your new pet may have. When you adopt an older animal, however, you can usually know ahead of time exactly what you’re getting. For instance, you can know before you take your new dog home that he is excellent with children, so there won’t be any surprises.
You Could Be Literally Saving a Life – Because most people lean toward adopting younger animals, overcrowded and underfunded shelters are often left with no other choice but to euthanize older pets that they can’t find homes for. When you bring home an older pet, you are often literally saving their lives. Your Darien vet can provide a listing of pets like this that are desperately in need of a new home.
It’s important to point out that older animals are put up for adoption for a number of reasons, and it’s rarely due to something negative like an illness or behavior problem. Often it’s simply because their owner died or had to move, and they could not keep their pet any longer. Older pets make excellent, loyal companions and they need loving homes just as much as younger animals. If you’re thinking about adopting, discuss it with your Darien vet and please, consider choosing an older pet. You won’t be sorry!